Iceland: Orange and red weather warnings issued across the country February 14

Event

The Icelandic Met Office issued orange and red weather warnings across Iceland for Friday, February 14, when a winter storm is forecast to bring hurricane force wind, rain, and snow to the island nation. The office also warned of hazardous waves at Reynisfjara beach and warned of high avalanche danger at mountains in Westfjords region and considerable avalanche danger at mountains in the Eastern region and near Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður, and Dalvík over the coming days. Severe transportation disruptions are expected across Iceland on Friday and weather officials have advised against travel of any kind.

Several flight delays and cancelations have been reported at Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport (KEF) as of Thursday, February 13, and Icelandair has canceled all incoming and outgoing flights on Friday in anticipation of the severe weather. More information about flight delays and cancelations can be found on Icelandair's website.

The Embassy of the US in Reykjavik will be closed on Friday in anticipation of the storm; it will reopen on Tuesday, February 18.

Related transportation disruptions, hazardous driving conditions, and power outages are possible over the coming hours and days.  

Advice

Individuals in Iceland are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid traveling, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate disruptions to power, telecommunications, and transportation, including adverse driving conditions, icy roads, and limited visibility.

Individuals traveling via KEF are advised to monitor the situation and confirm flight reservations.